When you’re part of the building industry, no matter how long, you know that networking and relationships are two vital components to success.  We’re also going to assume you’re familiar with the rapidly growing business-networking site, LinkedIn.

LinkedIn now boasts over 45 million users (that’s 15 million more than this past February), 60% of which are male at an average age of 41.  Even more interesting is that almost 50% of typical LinkedIn users are considered a business decision maker.  We deem this an important note if you’re considering whether “it’s worth it.” Although one might question why you’re having to consider.

What we’re getting at here is if you’re currently not taking advantage of LinkedIn, you should be.  If you do have a profile, do you feel you’re fully leveraging its capabilities?  Below is our list of the top 10 best practices to get LinkedIn to the building industry:

1. Brand yourself. Your profile is a product of you, personally and professionally.  Invest time in including the appropriate assets and promoting it through multiple channels.  One easy, effective tip is to customize your hyperlink to include your name or business, and then add the link to your business cards, email signature and Web site (e.g. http://www.linkedin.com/in/firstnamelastname).
2. Ask and you shall receive. A wallflower won’t be approached, so request LinkedIn connections and you’ll have the favor returned.  However, be careful you don’t spread yourself too thin.  Invite contacts mainly within your industry, and a good tip from WiredPRWorks is to craft your profile so that it complements the audience you are targeting with products and services.  Be sure every invitation to connect is a fit with your profile.
3. Grow in groups. Joining LinkedIn Groups is the equivalent of becoming involved in a community.  As a member, you can grow networks, uncover common interests and experiences, maintain relationships and collaborate with colleagues and prospects.  Groups also provide additional avenues to expand your brand and expertise.  Try joining an existing group or create one of your own.
4. Question and answer. You should do both.  LinkedIn Answers is an ideal place to collect business information, share your expertise and interests, and start conversations on current hot topics.  Responding to relevant questions on a regular basis will position you as an expert on LinkedIn and in your industry.
5. Optimize. Keywords are, well, key to driving exposure to your LinkedIn profile.  For starters, keep your profile fresh with the latest information related to your products and services.  A tip from the LinkedIn Blog: go beyond updating your summary and include keywords in your “Specialties” section.  If appropriate, also add geographical information to localize searches.
6. Not-so-little extras. After its five years of existence, LinkedIn launched a range of applications to enhance users’ experience of connecting, sharing and partnering with others in business.  These applications provide the necessary tools to improve file sharing, project management, business trips and more.  Utilize these applications to enhance your profile, grow interest in your company and simplify communications.  GoMLMBizBlog said it best, “In the end, your LinkedIn profile should be about ‘working smarter, not harder’ to get connections.”
7. Research and sourcing. Your activity on LinkedIn is not required to always be outward-facing.  Poke around and research the profiles of prospects and competitors.  Google is one outlet, but LinkedIn profiles can be rich with information about particular backgrounds and interests.  You may also be surprised to find specific connections with a company or individual that could lead to recommendations and/or more business.
8. Recommendations and reputations. The insight of others on your LinkedIn profile plays a key role to building your reputation.  The LinkedIn Blog puts it pretty well: “Reputation matters, transparency matters and content matters.”  Recommendations are “social proof,” so, for example, being recommended as an expert is just one more way to promote yourself and gain credibility though LinkedIn.
9. Building your team. In this day and age, hiring the best talent is a key driver for success.  LinkedIn is an excellent hiring tool and serious job hunters are making sure their profiles are complete and detailed to reflect their professional brand.  Searching LinkedIn profiles for candidates will provide a one-stop shop for professional summaries, skill sets, contacts, recommendations and even photos.
10. Find old industry friends. LinkedIn doesn’t need to be all about work and no play.  It can be fun to seek out old colleagues and industry friends to find out, “where are they now?”  You can even use the mobile application while on the road to connect with old friends when you’re in town.  However, we can almost guarantee that you’ll network with an old companion to ultimately find yourself making that next business connection.

If you clicked any of the links within this post, you probably discovered that we find the LinkedIn blog to be one of the top resources for enhancing your experience, as to be expected. You should read it regularly, as well as advice and commentary from leading marketing experts, if you’re committed to capitalizing on your presence within the community and looking to stay In the picture and help your business.